Neat knits or not? (Simply Knitting)

Name: sunmeilan

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Product:	Simply Knitting
Date:	05/10/07 (143 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wide range of patterns, appeals to all ages

Disadvantages: A lot of adverts

I have knitted since a very young age, although I did very little in my twenties and early thirties because hand knitting had become untrendy. In recent years, it has increased in popularity again - even superstars like Catherine Zeta-Jones enjoy the craft - and so I ended up picking up my needles again in early 2007. Since then, I've knitted a variety of jumpers/cardigans/hats both for myself, my sister and my about-to-be-born niece/nephew, several pieces of which I have made following patterns from this magazine.

Where to buy?
I have never seen this magazine to buy in a shop, although apparently it can be ordered from newsagents for £3.99 per issue. I purchase mine online via a website called myfavouritemagazines.co.uk. I have been paying £8 for three issues (there is one issue a month), but the price is now listed as £10 for three isses.

The contents
The magazine is divided into several sections, including:

Simply inspiring. This section includes a variety of articles and photos on patterns, types of wool and knitting events - basically anything that could potentially inspire a newcomer to the craft to get involved.

Simply patterns. This is the reason that I buy the magazine. Patterns tend to cost at least £2 each if bought separately, so the fact that there are usually eight patterns per issue means that the magazine is very good value. These patterns usually include four or five adult patterns (usually women's, but sometimes men's), something for a child (I have just knitted a baby's matinee jacket), something needing a small amount of wool, such as a scarf, or a bag and something for a child to play with - for example, in the October issue, there is a pattern for Wilhemina Witch. One of the patterns is usually a crochet one, although I haven't used any of these, so can't comment on the results. However, I have used three knitting patterns from different issues now and can confirm that the patterns are very clear, have all knitted up very well and range from the very easy to the fairly complicated. Most are very fashionable, so you don't need to worry that you will end up looking like a granny, although there are traditional patterns included to keep the older generations of knitters happy.

Most of the patterns are designed with a particular brand of wool in mind. This is often not a cheap option (although there is often a 10% discount offered for buying the wool through a particular dealer). However, the pattern does include the type of wool that should be used (chunky, double knitting or four ply, for example), so that the knitter can substitute a cheaper wool if necessary, which I did when knitting a matinee jacket. Of course, a tension square should be made up before beginning the pattern anyway, because not everyone knits to the same tension, no matter what brand of wool is used.

Simply solutions. This is a very handy section that includes a stitch library, which provides beginniners and seasoned knitters with a range of different patterns, an ask the experts part, which answers questions on a variety of knitting-related topics and an 'all about...' section - the last two issues have focussed on edgings.

Simply the best. This section provides readers with suggestions for the best books, yarns and patterns to buy and websites to peruse.

Simply for you. Dotted around the magazine are a series of snippets to keep the reader amused, and includes competitions, letters, how to purchase back issues and what is coming in the future issue. The letters are often amusing, because they include photos from both new and expert knitters - for example, one lady knitted a full-sized Shaun the Sheep, and then proceeded to photograph him in different locations and sent them in to the magazine! I don't do that, honest!

Finally, every issue has a section called the Essential Guide, which is designed to be torn out and collected in the form of a booklet. This section is really for the beginner knitter and crocheter, and gives tips on how to cast on, hold the needles, knit basic stiches, cast off and sew up. Obviously I already know how to knit, so can't comment on how easy the instructions are to follow for a complete beginner, but they certainly look very clear and there are lots of photos to illustrate what is needed. This section also includes information on abbreviations. These usually refer to abbreviations used in the patterns in the magazine, but as these are generally the same as those used in other patterns, they are very useful to have.

Free gifts
I have now had seven issues (seven months' worth); each one has come with a free gift, which, for a knitter, have been very useful and have included a good quality tape measure, a row counter, needle stoppers (these stop stitches from falling off the end of the needle when stored away), a knitting bag, a needle holder, and two separate publications - a pattern for a Noah's Ark plus animals and a calendar with twelve knitting patterns, designed according to the time of year. All of these have proved to be really useful and I have really appreciated them. In next month's issue there is a free diary, which I imagine will include some more free patterns.

The magazine has just over 100 pages. Many of these are full of adverts for patterns, brands of wool etc. However, I find these very useful - I like to know what new yarns and designs are available and I have knitted a couple of jumpers based on patterns I have seen in the magazine. The range of yarns and designs that exist nowadays is amazing and this magazine is a great way of finding out about them.

Next month's issue is due on sale on 11 October and will apparently include ideas for Christmas gifts as well as the usual patterns. I have got my eye on the patterns for a bolero which would be ideal for my sister.

Knitting will never be that trendy. When I tell people that I knit, they usually laugh. However, when they see what I have knitted, they are more often than not impressed - I have a wide range of knitwear that generally looks as if it has been bought in a shop, yet I have been able to adapt it to suit me. In the past, people knitted because it was cheaper that way. It is not always the case now - some of the fancier yarns are quite expensive - but I've still managed to save a fair bit by using cheaper brands of wool and I get the satisfaction of seeing the finished product and knowing that I made it. This magazine has really helped me to develop my ideas and more than once, I have been able to adapt patterns to suit me rather than follow them to the letter. I love the stitch library - a plain pattern can be made even more beautiful when a fancier stitch is used.

In conclusion, I think this magazine is well worth the money, particularly if you take advantage of the special rate online. It has a wide range of information for both the new and the seasoned knitter/crocheter and for the young and old; I have certainly had hours of pleasure (and a couple of fantastic knits) from it, as has my mum, and can definitely recommend it. Go on, go get your needles!

Summary: Fantastic value if you like knitting!